We turn on the lights in our house from a desk in an office miles away. Our refrigerator alerts us to buy milk on the way home. A package of cookies on the supermarket shelf suggests that we buy it, based on past purchases. The cookies themselves are on the shelf because of a “smart” supply chain. When we get home, the thermostat has already adjusted the temperature so that it’s toasty or bracing, whichever we prefer. This is the Internet of Things—a networked world of connected devices, objects, and people.

In this book, Greengard highlights that the Internet of Things (IoT) is in its early stages, enabled by the convergence of smartphones, cloud computing, RFID technology, sensors, and miniaturization. He traces IoT’s roots from early personal computers and the Internet, exploring its role in creating a connected world. Greengard delves into the industrial Internet, smart manufacturing, and consumer devices like fitness trackers and mobile banking apps, while addressing the challenges and risks, including privacy, security, and the digital divide. He also envisions the long-term societal impact of IoT, illustrating a typical “Day in the Life” in 2025.